Algiers, Algeria — In a heart-wrenching incident, a fire at an orphanage in Algiers has resulted in the loss of at least 11 lives, including children, with 19 others injured.
The Algerian Prime Minister, Sifi Ghrieb, has visited survivors and the injured at the Mustapha Pacha University Hospital, extending his sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and assuring the public of the government’s commitment to investigating the cause of the fire and providing necessary support.
The fire, which occurred amidst a severe heatwave that has seen nearly 1,000 fires recorded in a week, broke out at around 3:30 am local time on July 16, 2026.
The Mohammadia suburb of Algiers was the scene of the chaos, with Abdessalam Merrah, a local resident, recalling the distressing sounds of children screaming as the flames spread.
The Algerian civil defense has reported a provisional toll, with the possibility of the death toll rising.
The Civil Protection agency identified the fire as having occurred at the Childhood Relief Institution, a state — run residential care center for orphans, abandoned minors, and children with special needs. Seven others were treated for severe psychological shock. Emergency responders, seen in official images, worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and rescue the trapped children.
The forensic medicine department at Mustapha Bacha Hospital revealed that some of the bodies were so severely burned that DNA tests were required for identification. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune confirmed that “several children “were among the deceased.
As the investigation into the fire continues, the government is focusing on providing medical care and support to the injured survivors and their families. This tragedy underscores the risks posed by the ongoing heatwave and the critical need to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.
The public awaits the government’s response to this disaster, hoping for measures to prevent future such tragedies.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
